Transparency policy allows guests to contact the Deputy General Manager directly from the room phone

Free Wi-Fi

Cons

No dining facilities

No additional facilities such as a fitness center or pool

Bottom Line

For those looking for a lovely spot for an extended stay, the 65-room Nadler Kensington (formerly Base2stay) is an affordable option in a decent area of Kensington. A non-pretentious attitude toward saving money, proactive eco policies, and smartly designed rooms are some definite perks -- and may very well make the relatively small size of the rooms a bearable downside. The hotel also got some stylish upgrades when it rebranded.

Oyster Hotel Review

Scene

Smart and simple design combined with affordability and practicality

The Nadler Kensington is a small 65-room hotel with an emphasis on practical and affordable travel -- without sacrificing comfort. The primary concept of “smart luxury” translates to affordable, stylish, comfortable rooms in a prime location. The hotel also has a three-point sustainability policy centered on social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The hotel was rebranded as The Nadler Kensington in the summer of 2013 (it was formerly called Base2stay) and the lobby received a stylish makeover.

Location

Just three minutes’ walk from Earl’s Court station, in fashionable Kensington

Earl’s Court is a more ethnically mixed population compared to the rest of Kensington: This area predominantly consists of local residents and workers meandering through the streets. Nadler Kensington itself is located on a side residential street, which means you’ll have peace and quiet away from the busy main street.

30-minute drive to Heathrow Airport

10-minute tube ride to Knightsbridge station and Knightsbridge shopping district, including Harrods

12-minute tube ride to South Kensington station and the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum

12-minute tube ride to Hyde Park Corner station and Hyde Park

12-minute tube ride to Notting Hill Gate and Portobello Market

15-minute tube ride to Piccadilly Circus and theatre district

17-minute tube ride to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, and scenic walks along the Thames

18-minute tube ride to Covent Garden

24-minute tube ride to Charing Cross station and Trafalgar Square, National Portrait Gallery, London ICA, Tate Modern and the South Bank

24-minute tube ride to Green Park station and Buckingham Palace

25-minute tube ride to Bond Street station and West End shopping district, including Selfridge’s

Rooms

Smart and simple, with guest comfort and convenience in mind

Clean, simple room decor and smart layouts help to maximize space, guest comfort, and convenience: There are kitchenettes in all rooms (even in the tiny single rooms) and oversize showers. Most rooms may be a tad on the small side, there might be spotty Wi-Fi at times, and there are no in-house dining facilities. However, all have flat-screen TVs and the streamlined decor (picture faux fur throws on the beds and pretty prints on the walls) is attractive and homey.

Features

Proactive green policies throughout, as well as ample discount coupons to local businesses; little else

There is little in the way of features that one may expect at an upper-middle-range property. There's no fitness center or full restaurant, and the lobby is really the only communal area. However, there are some perks:

24-hour reception and concierge service

Free WI-Fi and computer for guests' use in the lobby

Proactive environmental policies include use of an electric car for guests, energy-saving light bulbs, and recycling 80% of total hotel waste

Discount coupons to local restaurants

Discount day membership to the local Fitness First

A continental breakfast that gets delivered to the room can be purchased

Bottom Line

For those looking for a lovely spot for an extended stay, the 65-room Nadler Kensington (formerly Base2stay) is an affordable option in a decent area of Kensington. A non-pretentious attitude toward saving money, proactive eco policies, and smartly designed rooms are some definite perks -- and may very well make the relatively small size of the rooms a bearable downside. The hotel also got some stylish upgrades when it rebranded.